Dudley Canal and Caverns

About the museum

The Dudley Tunnel was completed in 1792 to connect the limestone mines beneath Castle Hill with the canal network. It was heavily used during the 19th century, and in 1853 a record 41,000 boats are reported to have passed through. The tunnel and its underground basins and caverns lie in rock that formed some 428 million years ago.

The tunnel fell out of use, and in 1963 a preservation society formed after a final cruise held because British Rail wanted to seal the tunnel entrance. The society became the Dudley Canal Trust in 1970. The trust restored the waterway, which reopened at Easter 1973 with almost 14,000 visitors, and in 1975 it introduced an electrically powered passenger boat. The Singing Cavern, one of the limestone mines, opened to the public in 1985. Later work linked the caverns to the canal through Castle Mill Basin and rebuilt a failed section of the main tunnel in 1992.

Today the charity, called the Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust, takes visitors through the tunnels and caverns on skipper-led boat trips with light and sound shows. Its visitor building, the Portal, was opened by the Princess Royal in 2016 and also houses a café, a gift shop and rooms for hire.

Highlights

• Skipper-led narrowboat trip through the 18th-century Dudley Tunnel
• Limestone caverns with light and sound shows
• Singing Cavern, opened to the public in 1985
• Behind the Scenes Tour with a walk around the Singing Cavern
• Tunnel Tots boat trips for toddlers

Permanent exhibitions

• The Underground Experience – A 45-minute skipper-led boat trip through the 250-year-old tunnels, caverns and wildlife basins, with light and sound shows.
• Behind the Scenes Tour – A 90-minute guided boat trip and walk around the Singing Cavern, on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00.

Founded

1973

Operated by

Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust (registered charity 1166460)

Admission & discounts

The adult price is for the 45-minute Underground Experience; longer trips and the Behind the Scenes Tour are priced separately online. Tickets are non-refundable. Gift Aiding a standard Underground Experience ticket allows unlimited return trips for 12 months at no extra cost.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

One accessible boat has a platform lift and takes one electric wheelchair or up to two manual wheelchairs (230 kg in total); it must be booked in advance and wheelchair users must be accompanied by a carer. Other boats have three steps down with handrails on both sides. A lift in the Portal building leads to the towpath, and there is level access to the building with accessible parking spaces near the entrance. Accessible toilets with baby changing are on the car park and towpath levels. The caverns have uneven surfaces, low ceilings and enclosed areas. Assistance dogs are welcome in the building and on trips by arrangement. Guides can give extra narration for blind or visually impaired visitors, and the tour is available in written and large-print form. The trip includes darkness, flashing lights and loud audio; ear defenders can be borrowed and quiet boat sessions run at selected events. Hard hats are provided.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Tunnel Tots is a 20-minute boat trip for toddlers followed by a Stay & Play session with a story and craft; each child can bring up to two adults. Pushchairs can be stored on the towpath, which has step-free access. NAVVY tours are described as family-friendly. Under-3s go free on standard trips.

Getting there & parking

The visitor centre is at 501 Birmingham New Road, Dudley. Moorings are available for visiting boats.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Tow Path Coffee & Gift Shop serves hot drinks, sandwiches, snacks and cake, with outdoor seating overlooking the canal, and sells local crafts, food gifts, toys and gift vouchers. The step-free shop is open daily in line with the visitor centre.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Loft overlooks the canal, the Hub is a room with a projector and sound system, and The Vic is a decorated narrowboat for private events. Weddings can be held underground, and exclusive boat trips and catering are available. Capacities and prices are given on request.

Plan your visit